Testogel (testosterone gel) is a hormone replacement therapy prescribed for men with confirmed testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism). Proper storage is essential to maintain the medication's efficacy and safety throughout its shelf life. Storing Testogel correctly ensures the active testosterone remains stable and effective, whilst protecting children, partners and pets from accidental exposure. This guide explains how to store Testogel safely at home, the ideal storage conditions, what happens if storage guidelines are not followed, and how to dispose of unused or expired medication responsibly in accordance with UK regulations and MHRA guidance.

How to Store Testogel Correctly

Testogel (testosterone gel) is a hormone replacement therapy prescribed for men with confirmed testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism). Proper storage is essential to maintain the medication's efficacy and safety throughout its shelf life. As a transdermal preparation, Testogel contains active pharmaceutical ingredients that can degrade if exposed to inappropriate environmental conditions, potentially reducing therapeutic effectiveness.

The gel should always be stored in its original packaging until use. For sachets, keep them in the outer carton to protect from light. This protects the product from environmental factors and helps maintain product integrity. Keep Testogel in a secure location where the temperature remains stable and does not exceed 25°C. The packaging includes important information such as the batch number and expiry date, which should be checked regularly to ensure the medication remains within its usable period.

Never transfer Testogel into alternative containers, as this may compromise product quality and increase the risk of contamination. The original packaging is specifically designed to preserve the gel's consistency and prevent evaporation of volatile components. If you are travelling, transport Testogel in its original box and avoid leaving it in vehicles where temperatures can fluctuate significantly, particularly during summer months when interior car temperatures can exceed safe storage limits.

Patients should establish a routine storage location that is both convenient for daily application and secure from unauthorised access. A cool, dry bedroom drawer often works well, allowing easy access whilst maintaining appropriate storage conditions. Bathrooms are less ideal due to humidity, but if necessary, ensure good ventilation and low moisture levels. Always ensure the cap or pump mechanism is properly closed after each use to prevent contamination and maintain product quality.

Importantly, keep Testogel out of the sight and reach of children at all times. Also note that Testogel contains alcohol and is flammable until dry, so keep away from open flames, heat sources and do not smoke during or immediately after application.

Ideal Storage Temperature and Conditions for Testogel

According to the manufacturer's guidance and MHRA-approved product information, Testogel should be stored at room temperature, not exceeding 25°C. This temperature range ensures the gel maintains its pharmaceutical stability and the testosterone remains in its active form. Exposure to temperatures outside this range, particularly excessive heat, can alter the gel's consistency and potentially affect the rate of testosterone absorption through the skin.

The storage area should be dry and away from direct sources of moisture. Bathrooms, whilst convenient, may not always be ideal if they experience high humidity from frequent showering or bathing. Excessive moisture can compromise the integrity of sachets and may affect the pump mechanism in multi-dose containers. A bedroom drawer or cupboard is generally preferable. If storing in a bathroom, ensure adequate ventilation and avoid placing Testogel directly adjacent to showers or baths.

Protect Testogel from direct sunlight and other sources of heat, including radiators, windowsills, and heating vents. Ultraviolet light and elevated temperatures can degrade testosterone and other components within the formulation. For sachets, always keep them in their original outer carton to protect from light. For pump dispensers, keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Avoid storing the medication in refrigerators or freezers unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional, as cold temperatures may alter the gel's viscosity and make application difficult.

For patients using the pump dispenser format, ensure the device remains upright during storage to prevent leakage and maintain the pump mechanism's functionality. For specific instructions on priming a new pump (including how many actuations to discard) and any in-use shelf-life after opening, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication. Regularly inspect the packaging for any signs of damage, leakage, or deterioration, and contact your pharmacist if you have concerns about the product's condition.

Remember that Testogel contains alcohol and is flammable until dry. Keep away from naked flames or sources of ignition, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

What Happens If Testogel Is Stored Incorrectly

Incorrect storage of Testogel can compromise both the medication's therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. When exposed to temperatures above 25°C for prolonged periods, the testosterone molecule may begin to degrade, reducing the amount of active hormone available for absorption. This degradation is typically irreversible, meaning that even if the product is subsequently stored correctly, its potency cannot be restored. Patients using compromised Testogel may experience a return of hypogonadal symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, and mood changes, as their testosterone levels fail to reach therapeutic targets.

Exposure to excessive heat can also alter the gel's physical properties. The formulation may become more liquid or, conversely, may thicken and become difficult to dispense from sachets or pump containers. Changes in consistency can affect the ease of application and the uniformity of dosing. If the gel separates or appears discoloured, this indicates significant degradation and the product should not be used.

Moisture contamination presents additional risks. If water enters opened sachets or pump containers, this can potentially compromise product quality. Keeping the pump container tightly closed and sachets in their original packaging until use helps prevent these issues.

If you suspect your Testogel has been stored incorrectly—for example, left in a hot car for several hours or exposed to freezing temperatures—do not use the product and contact your pharmacist for advice. They can assess whether a replacement prescription is needed. Do not attempt to use Testogel that has obviously changed in appearance, consistency, or smell, as these are indicators of significant degradation.

If you experience any adverse effects or suspect your medication is not working effectively, speak with your healthcare provider. You can also report suspected side effects or product quality issues to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

Disposing of Unused or Expired Testogel Safely

Safe disposal of unused or expired Testogel is crucial for environmental protection and preventing accidental exposure to others. Testosterone is a controlled substance under UK regulations, and improper disposal could lead to environmental contamination or unintended exposure to vulnerable populations, including children and individuals for whom testosterone therapy is contraindicated.

Never dispose of unused or expired Testogel in household waste bins or pour it down sinks, toilets, or drains. Testosterone and other pharmaceutical compounds can contaminate water supplies and may affect aquatic ecosystems. Wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove all pharmaceutical residues, and even small quantities of hormones can have environmental effects.

The recommended disposal method is to return unused or expired Testogel to your local pharmacy. Community pharmacies throughout the UK operate medicine take-back schemes that ensure pharmaceutical waste is disposed of safely through approved incineration processes. This service is free of charge and does not require the medication to be in its original packaging, though keeping it packaged helps pharmacists identify the product. When returning Testogel, inform the pharmacy staff that it is a hormone preparation, as this may require specific handling procedures.

Before disposal, check the expiry date printed on the packaging. Expired Testogel should not be used, as there is no guarantee of efficacy or safety beyond this date. If you have accumulated multiple unused sachets or a partially used pump dispenser, do not attempt to stockpile these for future use without consulting your prescriber. Changes in your treatment regimen should be discussed with your GP or endocrinologist, who can adjust your prescription accordingly.

Empty sachets that have been fully used may be disposed of in household waste, as indicated in the Patient Information Leaflet. Fold them securely and dispose of them out of the reach of children and pets. For pump dispensers, return the entire device even if it appears empty, as residual gel may remain within the mechanism.

Keeping Testogel Away from Children and Pets

Protecting children, partners and pets from accidental exposure to Testogel is a critical safety consideration. Testosterone is a potent hormone, and even small amounts transferred to children can cause serious adverse effects, including premature sexual development (precocious puberty), aggressive behaviour, and abnormal growth patterns. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued specific warnings about the risks of secondary exposure to testosterone gels, particularly in households with young children.

Store Testogel in a locked cabinet or high shelf that is completely inaccessible to children and pets. The medication should never be left on bedside tables, bathroom counters, or other easily accessible locations. Children are naturally curious and may investigate unfamiliar items, and the gel's appearance and texture might be mistaken for hand sanitiser or moisturiser. Even brief skin contact with testosterone gel can result in hormone absorption in children, with effects potentially occurring after a single exposure and worsening with repeated contact.

After applying Testogel, allow the application site to dry completely before dressing, and cover the area with clothing to prevent direct contact with others. The manufacturer recommends waiting at least 3–5 minutes before covering the skin. If a child, partner or pet comes into contact with skin where Testogel has been applied, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. For children showing signs of unexpected physical changes—such as early development of pubic hair, genital enlargement, or aggressive behaviour—contact your GP promptly and mention potential testosterone exposure.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after applying Testogel, even if you used gloves during application. This prevents inadvertent transfer to others through normal physical contact such as holding hands or cuddling. Be particularly vigilant about hand hygiene before preparing food or handling items that children or pets may touch.

Women, particularly pregnant women or those who may become pregnant, should avoid skin contact with Testogel application sites. If close skin-to-skin contact is anticipated with a partner, wash the application site beforehand if it is not covered by clothing.

Pets, particularly dogs, may be attracted to the scent of Testogel and could lick application sites or come into contact with clothing that has absorbed the gel. Keep pets away from application areas and ensure treated skin is covered. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to Testogel, contact your veterinary surgeon for advice, as hormonal effects can occur in animals as well.

Remember that Testogel contains alcohol and is flammable until dry. Do not smoke or go near naked flames until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions